JP2022169671A - Non-quadrilateral shape display - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a non-quadrilateral shape display in which a bezel area is narrow.

SOLUTION: A non-quadrilateral shape display according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of pixels that is arranged in a non-quadrilateral shape display area, and is connected to a corresponding first signal line among a plurality of first signal lines to be extended in a first direction, and a corresponding second signal line of a plurality of second signal lines to be extended in a second direction crossing the first direction; a plurality of first drive circuits that is arranged in a peripheral area of the display area, and outputs a first signal to at least corresponding one first signal line among the plurality of first signal lines; a plurality of second drive circuits that is arranged in the peripheral area of the display area, and outputs a corresponding second signal to at least corresponding one second signal line among the plurality of second signal lines. The peripheral area includes an area in which the number of corresponding second drive circuits of the plurality of second drive circuits located between adjacent two first drive circuits of the plurality of first drive circuits is different depending upon a position of the peripheral area.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

Embodiments relate to non-rectangular displays.

A display panel includes a plurality of signal lines connected to a plurality of pixels. The pixels are within a display area having a non-rectangular shape, and the driver circuits for providing signals to the signal lines are within a bezel area around the non-rectangular display area. To produce a larger panel, the display area is increased and the bezel area is decreased.

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for displays having non-square shapes (eg, circular or oval). Such displays are suitable for use in wearable devices such as smart watches, smart glasses, head mounted displays (HMDs) or vehicle clusters. However, the bezel area of this display must be reduced to a very narrow size in order to increase the size of the display panel screen. A smaller width bezel area leaves less space for the drive circuitry.

JP 2005-528644 A JP 2014-197179 A

Embodiments aim at providing a non-rectangular display with a narrow bezel area.

Another object of the embodiments is to provide a non-rectangular display in which an area in which a driving circuit can be positioned is reserved within the display panel of the non-rectangular display.

According to an embodiment, a non-rectangular display includes a plurality of pixels located in a non-rectangular display area, each pixel having a first signal line in a first direction and a second signal line in a second direction crossing the first direction. a plurality of first driving circuits connected to the lines and positioned in a peripheral region of the display region, each of the first driving circuits outputting a first signal to a corresponding one of the first signal lines of the pixels; each of the plurality of second driving circuits outputs a second signal to a second signal line corresponding to one of the pixels, and a second driving circuit between the first driving circuits varies depending on the position of the peripheral region.

The plurality of first driving circuits and the plurality of second driving circuits may be adjacent around the display area. The angle at which the plurality of first driving circuits and the plurality of second driving circuits are arranged can be changed according to the positions of the plurality of first driving circuits and the plurality of second driving circuits. The angles corresponding to the normal directions of the display regions of the plurality of first drive circuits and the plurality of second drive circuits may be substantially the same.

The area of the first driving circuit for at least one pixel may be different from the area of the second driving circuit for at least one pixel. The sum of the tangential widths of the display areas of the alternating and adjacently positioned first and second driving circuits may be less than or equal to half the width of a pixel.

The display area may include a curved area, and the pixels may be arranged in rows and columns within the curved area. When a step occurs between adjacent arrays of pixels, the first driving circuit or the second driving circuit may be arranged in a peripheral region corresponding to the step, depending on the type of the step.

The plurality of pixels includes a plurality of sub-pixels, the sub-pixels emitting different colors, the sub-pixels being synchronized with respective first signals transmitted through the plurality of first signal lines and transmitted through the plurality of second signal lines. may be controlled by a second signal that is The subpixels include switching transistors, each switching transistor including a first electrode and a first signal line as a gate electrode coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of second signal lines, and a driving transistor. , each driving transistor may include a gate electrode connected to a second electrode of a corresponding one of the switching transistors, a first electrode supplied with a power voltage, and a second electrode connected to the organic light emitting diode. good.

Each sub-pixel may be supplied with an initialization voltage in synchronization with a first signal transmitted through a plurality of first signal lines corresponding to the previous pixel row. Each subpixel may further include a compensation transistor coupled between the gate electrode and the second electrode of the drive transistor and including the gate electrode included as part of the corresponding first signal line.

The plurality of first signal lines and the plurality of second signal lines of pixels may not cross each other in the peripheral region. Each pixel may be coupled to a third signal line in the first direction, the display may include a plurality of third drive circuits interleaved with at least one of the second drive circuits, each of the third drive circuits being a peripheral signal line. A third signal is output to at least one third signal line in pixels in a region facing the first drive circuit among the regions.

According to an embodiment, the non-rectangular display includes a display area including a curved line, a display area including a plurality of pixels arranged to have steps in the row direction and the column direction corresponding to the curved line, and the corresponding pixels along the perimeter of the display area, including a first driver circuit that provides a first signal in the row direction to the corresponding pixel and a second driver circuit that provides a second signal in the column direction to the corresponding pixel; and non-display areas arranged in different numbers.

At least one of the first drive circuits may be provided substantially normal with the pixels stepped in the row direction. At least one of the second drive circuits may be provided substantially normal with the pixels being stepped in the column direction. The non-display area may have a constant width along the perimeter of the display area. Each of the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit may have a substantially rectangular shape and have long sides of substantially the same length. The width of the non-display area may be larger than the length of one long side of the substantially rectangular shape and smaller than the total length of the two long sides.

At least one of the embodiments has the advantage of providing a large display area.

In addition, according to at least one of the embodiments, there is an advantage that the size of the display panel and the non-rectangular display including the same can be reduced.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a non-rectangular display; FIG. It is drawing which showed embodiment of a display panel. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an embodiment of a pixel; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of sub-pixels; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a pixel and a driving circuit at a first position on the periphery of the display panel; FIG. 10 is a view showing an embodiment of pixels and driving circuits at a second position on the periphery of the display panel; FIG. FIG. 10 is a view showing an embodiment of pixels and a driving circuit at a third position on the edge of the display panel; FIG. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing another embodiment of a display panel; FIG. FIG. 9 is a view showing an embodiment of pixels and driving circuits at a first position on the edge of the display panel of FIG. 8; FIG. FIG. 9 is a view showing an embodiment of pixels and a driving circuit at a second position on the periphery of the display panel of FIG. 8; FIG. FIG. 9 is a view showing an embodiment of a pixel and a driving circuit at a third position on the periphery of the display panel of FIG. 8; FIG. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing another embodiment of a display panel; FIG. FIG. 13 is a view showing an embodiment of pixels and a driving circuit at a first position in the periphery of the first area of the display panel of FIG. 12; FIG. FIG. 13 is a view showing an embodiment of pixels and a driving circuit at a second position in the periphery of the first region of the display panel of FIG. 12; FIG. 13 is a view showing an embodiment of a pixel and a driving circuit at a third position in the periphery of the first region of the display panel of FIG. 12; FIG. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing another embodiment of a display panel; FIG. 17 is a view showing an embodiment of pixels and a driving circuit in the first region of the display panel of FIG. 16; FIG.

When an element is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another element, it may also be directly coupled or connected to the other element. However, it should be understood that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being “directly coupled” or “directly connected” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between. .

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a non-rectangular display including a driver IC 10, a display panel 20, and a connection portion 15 for connecting the driver IC 10 and the display panel 20. As shown in FIG. The display panel 20 may have a predetermined non-rectangular shape, such as a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a partially circular polygonal shape, or a polygonal shape other than a quadrilateral shape. In one embodiment, the optional feature may include a partially curvilinear graphic feature. The display panel 20 may be a flexible display panel including at least one curved portion.

A drive signal is transmitted from the driver IC 10 to drive the drive circuit of the display panel 20 . At this time, the driving signal output from the driver IC 10 may be transmitted to the display panel 20 through the connecting portion 15 . Signals corresponding to pixels can be appropriately transmitted to the signal lines formed in the display panel 20 based on the driving signals transmitted to the driver IC 10 .

2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a display panel of the display of FIG. 1. FIG. As shown in FIG. 2 , the form or shape of the display area 30 can be determined based on the form or shape of the display panel 20 . For example, if the shape of the display panel 20 is circular, the shape of the display area 30 may also be circular. Further, if the display panel 20 is partially curved, the shape of the corresponding display area 30 is also curved. can have the form of In the display panel 20 , a non-display area 40 including a drive circuit is located in an area other than the display area 30 .

A plurality of pixels PX are positioned within the display area 30 . The pixels PX may be arranged in a matrix within the display region 30 . At this time, the pixels PX may be arranged corresponding to the curve within the display area 30 . For example, if the display area 30 has a circular shape, a step may occur between the pixel arrays positioned at the periphery of the display area 30 .

For example, since square pixels PX are arranged along the periphery of the display area 30, which is partially curved, a step arrangement is formed between the pixel columns. In one embodiment, the first row pixel arrangement and the second row pixel arrangement are arranged by a difference of a predetermined number (e.g., eight) of the pixels PX in the peripheral edge CA1 of the display area 30 corresponding to the first row and the second row. A step is formed between them.

A step between adjacent pixel arrays on a row-by-row basis or a column-by-column basis may vary depending on the positions of the corresponding edges. For example, a step of 8 pixels is generated between the pixel array of the first row and the pixel array of the second row, but a step of 6 pixels is generated between the pixel array of the second row and the pixel array of the third row. Steps can occur as much as the difference.

Also, the driving circuit is appropriately positioned in the non-display area 40 depending on the form of the display area 30 . For example, when the pixel PX is arranged in a circular shape, a driving circuit for supplying a signal to the pixel PX is located in a surrounding area adjacent to the circle where the pixel PX is arranged. When the display panel 20 has a circular shape, the entire display region 30 in which the pixels PX are arranged and the non-display region 40 in which the driving circuit is arranged may have a circular shape. Also, the non-display area 40 may be formed around the display area 30 within the same substrate as the display area 30 .

The form of the non-display area 40 can be determined by the form of the display area 30 . For example, if the pixels PX are arranged in a circular shape, the non-display area 40 may be formed in a ring shape having a predetermined width around the display area 30 .

In FIG. 2, all the pixels PX are shown to have the same shape and size, but the pixels PX arranged to divide the area inside the display area 30 may have different sizes. For example, the pixels located in the central region of display area 30 may be larger than the pixels located in the edge of display area 30 .

FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an embodiment of the pixel PX of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of an embodiment of sub-pixels of the pixel PX according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pixel PX may include multiple sub-pixels that emit different primary colors. For example, pixel PX includes three sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 that emit red (R), green (G), and blue (B) light, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 4, one subpixel PX11 includes a plurality of transistors T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, and T7 connected to a plurality of signal lines, and a storage capacitor Cst. , and organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs).

The transistors include a driving thin film transistor T1, a switching thin film transistor T2, a compensation transistor T3, an initialization transistor T4, an operation control transistor T5, an emission control transistor T6, and a bypass transistor T7.

Signal lines include a scan line S[n] for transmitting a scan signal, a previous scan line S[n-1] for transmitting a previous scan signal to the initialization transistor T4, an operation control transistor T5, and a light emission control transistor T6. An emission control line EM[n] for transmitting a signal, a data line D[m] for transmitting a data signal crossing the scan line, a power voltage line for transmitting a power voltage, and an initialization for initializing the driving transistor T1. It includes an initialization voltage line that carries a voltage.

Specifically, the driving transistor T1 includes one end connected to the first node N1, a gate connected to the second node N2, and the other end connected to the third node N3. The driving transistor T1 is turned on by a voltage applied to its gate to control a driving current supplied to the organic light emitting device OLED.

The second transistor T2 has one end connected to a data line D[m] to which a corresponding data signal is supplied, a gate connected to a scan line S[n] to which a corresponding main scan signal is supplied, and a second transistor T2. It includes the other end connected to 1 node N1. The second transistor T2 is turned on by the scan signal to transmit the data signal to the first node N1.

The first capacitor Cst has one end connected to the power voltage line supplied with the first power voltage ELVDD and the other end connected to the second node N2.

The third transistor T3 includes one end connected to the second node N2, the other end connected to the third node N3, and a gate connected to the current scan line S[n]. The third transistor T3 is turned on by the current scan line signal to connect the second node N2 and the third node N3.

The fourth transistor T4 has one end connected to the second node N2, the other end connected to the initialization line supplied with the initialization voltage VINT, and the scan line S[n located in the previous pixel row.
-1]. The fourth transistor T4 is turned on by the scan signal of the scan line S[n-1] located in the previous pixel row to initialize the second node N2 to the initialization voltage VINT.

The fifth transistor T5 includes one end connected to the first power supply voltage ELVDD, the other end connected to the first node N1, and a gate connected to the light emission line to which the corresponding light emission signal is supplied.
The fifth transistor T5 is turned on by the light emission signal.

The sixth transistor T6 has one end connected to the third node N3, the other end connected to the anode of the organic light emitting diode (OLED), and the gate connected to the light emission line to which the light emission signal is supplied. The sixth transistor T6 is turned on by the light emission signal and transfers the current flowing through the first transistor T1 to the organic light emitting device OLED.

The seventh transistor T7 has one end connected to the anode of the organic light emitting diode OLED, the other end connected to the initialization line, and the gate connected to the scan line S[n-1] located in the previous pixel row. include. The seventh transistor T7 is turned on by a scan signal located in the previous pixel row to transfer the initialization voltage VINT to the anode of the organic light emitting diode OLED.

The organic light emitting device OLED includes an anode connected to the other end of the sixth transistor T6 and a cathode connected to the second power voltage ELVSS. An organic light emitting device OLED can emit light of one of primary colors. Examples of primary colors include the three primary colors red, green, and blue, and the spatial or temporal interaction of these three primary colors can display a desired color.

In synchronization with a plurality of scan signals supplied through a scan line S[n-1] located in the previous pixel row, the initialization voltage Vint is applied to the gate electrodes of the drive transistors T1 of the plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13. can be supplied to Then, a plurality of data signals transmitted through a plurality of data lines D[m] are synchronized with a plurality of scan signals transmitted through a plurality of scan lines positioned in the sub-pixel row of this stage, and a plurality of data signals transmitted through a plurality of data lines D[m] are transmitted to a plurality of sub-pixels PX11, It is transmitted to PX12 and PX13. At the same time, the first power supply voltage ELVDD supplied through the plurality of first power supply voltage lines is a voltage for driving the plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, and is supplied through the plurality of emission control lines EM[n]. The light emission of the organic light emitting diode OLED is controlled by a plurality of light emission control signals.

The driving circuits include a first driving circuit that supplies a scan signal to the scan line S[n], a second driving circuit that supplies an emission control signal to the emission control line EM[n], and a data signal to the data line D[m]. and a third driver circuit for supplying the In addition, the driving circuit further includes a fourth driving circuit that supplies test voltages to the data lines D[m] in order to test whether the display panel 20 is defective during the manufacturing process of the display panel 20 .

The driving circuits described above are all arranged in the display panel 20 to supply appropriate signals to the corresponding pixels PX. At this time, the method of supplying a signal to the pixel PX differs depending on the type of drive circuit. For example, a first drive circuit and a second drive circuit provide signals in a first direction, and a third drive circuit and a fourth drive circuit provide signals in a second direction crossing the first direction. When the pixels PX are arranged in a matrix, the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit supply signals in units of rows, and the third driving circuit and the fourth driving circuit supply signals in units of columns.

Such driving circuits are arranged in the non-display area 40 so that the non-display area 40 occupies a narrow area within the display panel 20 . However, in the case of the display panel 20 in which the pixels PX are arranged in an arbitrary form, a step difference occurs between the pixel arrays. must.

FIG. 5 illustrates a pixel PX and a driving circuit arranged at a first position A1 on the periphery of the display panel 20 according to the first embodiment. As shown, the drive circuitry is located in the non-display area 40 .

In the following drawings, it is explained that the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are arranged, but different types of driving circuits (first driving circuit, second driving circuit, third driving circuit and fourth driving circuit) may be mixed and arranged. For example, the non-display area 40 includes an area in which the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are mixed and arranged, an area in which the second driving circuit DC2 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are mixed and arranged, and a first driving circuit. A region where the circuit DC1 and the third drive circuit are mixed and arranged and a region where the second drive circuit DC2 and the third drive circuit are mixed and arranged may be included.

In the non-display area 40 , different types of driving circuits may be arranged in different numbers along the circumference of the display area 30 .

At this time, different types of driving circuits may be arranged corresponding to each pixel row or pixel column. For example, the first drive circuit DC1 can be arranged corresponding to the pixel row, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 can be arranged corresponding to the pixel column. As shown, four first driving circuits DC1 are arranged corresponding to four pixel rows at the first position A1, and twelve fourth driving circuits DC4 are arranged corresponding to twelve pixel columns. placed.

On the other hand, the areas occupied by different types of driving circuits may be different from each other. For example, the area of one first drive circuit DC1 and the area of one fourth drive circuit DC4 may be different from each other. When the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are formed in a rectangular shape and have the same long side length, the short side lengths may be different. At this time, the width of the non-display area 40 may be smaller than the total length of the long sides of the two driving circuits and larger than the length of the long sides of one driving circuit. Preferably, the width of the non-display area 40 is approximately the same as the length of the long side of one driving circuit, so that the width of the non-display area 40 can be designed to be narrow.

In addition, the driving circuit may be inclined at a corresponding angle on the plane according to the shape of the display area 30 . Specifically, the driving circuit can be arranged in the non-display area 40 at an angle substantially equal to the normal angle of the boundary between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40 . If the display area 30 is a curved line, the normal direction to the boundary between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40 is changed along the display area 30, so that the display area 30 is arranged along the reference line Lref. The arrangement angle of the drive circuit to be used is also changed by the normal direction. In FIG. 5, the leftmost fourth drive circuit DC4 is arranged parallel to the reference line Lref. However, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 arranged on the right side along the periphery of the display area 30 from the fourth driving circuit DC4 are inclined so that the angle from the reference line Lref gradually increases.

At this time, even in the case of the same type of drive circuit DC4, the arrangement angles α1 and α2 with respect to the reference line Lref are changed depending on the position of the corresponding pixel row or pixel column. As an example, the arrangement angles α1 and α2 of the fourth drive circuits DC4 corresponding to different pixel columns are different from each other.

Also, the drive circuits are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40 . The drive circuits are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with different types of drive circuits. For example, in FIG. 5, from the leftmost fourth driving circuit DC4 to the rightmost first driving circuit DC1, the types of the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are changed in a line around the display area 30. arrayed.

At this time, if a step occurs between the pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged according to the type of the step. When a step occurs between the pixel arrays in units of rows, the first driving circuit DC1 is arranged to correspond to the step, and when a step occurs in units of columns, the fourth driving circuit DC4 is arranged to correspond to the step. . This is because the first drive circuit DC1 supplies signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns.

One drive circuit supplies signals to the pixels PX included in one row or column. Since one pixel PX includes a plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one driver circuit applies a signal to each of the plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. supply. Therefore, a plurality of signal wirings are formed to supply one pixel row or one pixel column from one driving circuit. For example, one first driving circuit DC1 supplies a scan signal to one pixel row, and a plurality of pixels PX including R sub-pixels, G sub-pixels, and B sub-pixels are formed in one pixel row. , a scan line SL1 that supplies scan signals to a plurality of R sub-pixels, a scan line SL2 that supplies scan signals to a plurality of G sub-pixels, and a scan line SL3 that supplies scan signals to a plurality of B sub-pixels. It is formed corresponding to the first drive circuit DC1. The same can be applied to signal lines connected to other types of driving circuits DC2, DC3, and DC4.

At this time, the signal wirings for the driving circuit to supply signals to the pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other within the non-display region 40 . Signal lines connected to different types of driving circuits are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40 . For example, the signal lines SL1 to SL3 connecting the pixel rows to the first driving circuit DC1 and the signal lines TL1 to TL3 connecting the pixel columns to the fourth driving circuit DC4 may not cross each other. formed in Accordingly, coupling due to a parasitic capacitor formed by intersection of signal lines in the non-display area 40 can be reduced.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing pixels PX and driving circuits arranged at a second position A2 on the periphery of the display panel 20 according to the first embodiment. As shown, the drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in the non-display area 40 as in FIG. Different types of driving circuits DC1 and DC4 may be arranged corresponding to the respective pixel rows or pixel columns. For example, the first drive circuit DC1 can be arranged corresponding to the pixel row, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 can be arranged corresponding to the pixel column.
As shown, at the second position A2, five first driving circuits DC1 are arranged corresponding to five pixel rows, and five fourth driving circuits DC4 are arranged corresponding to five pixel columns. placed.

The driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are inclined at a corresponding angle on the plane according to the shape of the display area 30. FIG. In FIG. 6, when the angle tilted clockwise from the reference line Lref is measured, the first drive circuit DC1 located on the leftmost side is the fourth drive circuit DC4 positioned on the rightmost side from the angle α3 inclined from the reference line Lref. is inclined at an angle α4 from the reference line Lref.

Further, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. FIG. The drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a row around the display area 30 with different types of drive circuits. For example, in FIG. 6, the types of driving circuits are changed and arranged in a row around the display area 30, from the fourth driving circuit DC4 located on the leftmost side to the first driving circuit DC1 located on the rightmost side. .

At this time, if a step occurs between the pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged according to the type of the step. When a step occurs between the pixel arrays in units of rows, the first driving circuit DC1 is arranged to correspond to the step, and when a step occurs in units of columns, the fourth driving circuit DC4 is arranged to correspond to the step. . This is because the first drive circuit DC1 supplies signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns. In FIG. 6, a step difference is generated for each pixel PX in the row direction and the column direction, so the first drive circuit DC1 and the fourth drive circuit DC4 are alternately arranged.

On the other hand, the sum of the tangential widths of the display regions 30 of the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4, which are alternately arranged and located adjacent to each other, may be less than half the width of the pixel PX. Also, the total width of two adjacent driving circuits may be less than half the width of the pixel PX.

One drive circuit supplies signals to the pixels PX included in one row or column. Since one pixel PX includes a plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one driver circuit applies a signal to each of the plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. supply. Therefore, a plurality of signal wirings are formed to supply one pixel row or one pixel column from one driving circuit. At this time, the signal wirings for the drive circuits DC1 and DC4 to supply signals to the pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other within the non-display region 40 . Signal lines connected to different types of driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40 .

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing pixels PX and driving circuits arranged at a third position A3 on the periphery of the display panel 20 according to the first embodiment. As shown, the drive circuits are placed in the non-display area 40, similar to FIG. Different types of drive circuits DC1 and DC4 can be arranged corresponding to the respective pixel rows or pixel columns. For example, the first drive circuit DC1 can be arranged corresponding to the pixel row, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 can be arranged corresponding to the pixel column. As shown, 12 first driving circuits DC1 are arranged corresponding to 12 pixel rows at the third position A3, and 3 fourth driving circuits DC4 are arranged corresponding to 3 pixel columns. placed.

In addition, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 may be inclined at a corresponding angle on a plane according to the shape of the display area 30. FIG. In FIG. 7, when measuring the angle of inclination in the clockwise direction, the leftmost first drive circuit DC1 is tilted from the reference line Lref by an angle α5. The angle α6 tilted from is even greater.

Further, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. FIG. The drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a row around the display area 30 with different types of drive circuits. For example, in FIG. 7, the types of driving circuits are changed and arranged in a line around the display area 30 from the leftmost first driving circuit DC1 to the rightmost first driving circuit DC1. .

At this time, if a step occurs between the pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged according to the type of the step. When a step occurs between the pixel arrays in units of rows, the first driving circuit DC1 is arranged to correspond to the step, and when a step occurs in units of columns, the fourth driving circuit DC4 is arranged to correspond to the step. . This is because the first drive circuit DC1 supplies signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns.

One drive circuit supplies signals to the pixels PX included in one row or column. Since one pixel PX includes a plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one driver circuit applies a signal to each of the plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. supply. Therefore, a plurality of signal wirings are formed to supply one pixel row or one pixel column from one driving circuit. At this time, the signal wirings for the drive circuits DC1 and DC4 to supply signals to the pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other within the non-display region 40 . Signal lines connected to different types of driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40 .

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 may be arranged in different numbers depending on their positions on the display panel 20. FIG. For example, at the first position A1, a plurality of fourth driving circuits DC4 are arranged due to steps between the pixel arrays that occur in units of columns. A plurality of 1-drive circuits DC1 are arranged. That is, the types and number of drive circuits arranged along the periphery of the display area 30 are changed.

FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a second embodiment of the display panel 20. As shown in FIG. As shown, the form of the display area 30 can be determined according to the form of the display panel 20 . For example, if the display panel 20 has an elliptical shape, the display area 30 may also have an elliptical shape. In addition, when a part of the display panel 20 is curved, the form of the display area 30 corresponding to the part also has a curved form. A non-display area 40 in which the drive circuit is arranged is formed in the area of the display panel 20 excluding the display area 30 .

A plurality of pixels PX are arranged in the display area 30 . The pixels PX can be arranged in a matrix within the display area 30 . At this time, the pixels PX are appropriately arranged in the display area 30 corresponding to the curve. For example, when the display area 30 has an elliptical shape, steps are generated between the pixel arrays positioned at the periphery of the display area 30 .

For example, since the square pixels PX are arranged along the periphery of the display area 30, which is partly curved, a step occurs between the pixel arrays. For example, at the peripheral edge CA2 of the display area 30 corresponding to the first and second rows, a step is generated between the pixel arrays of the first row and the pixel array of the second row by a difference of 12 pixels PX.

A step between adjacent pixel arrays on a row-by-row basis or a column-by-column basis may vary depending on the positions of the corresponding edges. For example, there is a step of 12 pixels PX between the pixel array of the first row and the pixel array of the second row, but there is a step of 6 pixels PX between the pixel array of the second row and the pixel array of the third row. Steps can occur as much as the difference.

Also, the driving circuit is properly formed in the non-display area 40 according to the shape of the display area 30 . For example, if the pixels PX are arranged in an elliptical shape, driving circuits for supplying signals to the pixels PX are positioned around the ellipse in which the pixels PX are arranged. When the display panel 20 has an elliptical shape, the overall shape of the display area 30 in which the pixels PX are arranged and the non-display area 40 in which the driving circuit is arranged may be elliptical.

In FIG. 8, although the shape and size of all the pixels PX are shown to be the same, the sizes of the pixels PX arranged by dividing the area inside the display area 30 may be different. For example, the pixels PX arranged in the central area of the display area 30 may be larger than the pixels PX arranged in the edge of the display area 30 .

Such driving circuits should be properly arranged in the non-display area 40 so that the non-display area 40 occupies a small area within the display panel 20 . However, in the case of the display panel 20 in which the pixels PX are arranged in an arbitrary form, a step difference occurs between the pixel arrays. must.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the pixels PX and the driving circuit arranged at the first position on the periphery of the display panel 20 of FIG. As shown, the drive circuitry is located in the non-display area 40 . Although it is described in the drawing that the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are arranged, different types of driving circuits are mixed and arranged at respective positions in the non-display area 40. good too. For example, the non-display area 40 includes an area where the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are mixed and arranged, an area where the second driving circuit and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are mixed and arranged, and the first driving circuit. A region where DC1 and the third driving circuit are mixed and arranged and a region where the second driving circuit and the third driving circuit are mixed and arranged may be included. In the non-display area 40 , different types of driving circuits may be arranged in different numbers along the circumference of the display area 30 .

At this time, different types of driving circuits may be arranged corresponding to each pixel row or pixel column. For example, the first drive circuit DC1 can be arranged corresponding to the pixel row, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 can be arranged corresponding to the pixel column. As shown, at the first position, two first driving circuits DC1 are arranged corresponding to two pixel rows, and ten fourth driving circuits DC4 are arranged corresponding to ten pixel columns. be done.

Meanwhile, areas occupied by different types of driving circuits may differ from each other. For example, the area of one first driving circuit DC1 and the area of one fourth driving circuit DC4 may be different.

In addition, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 may be inclined at a corresponding angle on a plane according to the shape of the display area 30. FIG. Specifically, the driving circuit can be arranged in the non-display area 40 at an angle substantially equal to the normal angle of the boundary between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40 . If the display area 30 is a curved line, the normal direction to the boundary between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40 is changed along the display area 30, so that the driving circuit arranged along the display area 30 with respect to the reference line Lref is also changed by the normal direction. In FIG. 9, the leftmost fourth drive circuit DC4 is arranged parallel to the reference line Lref. However, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 arranged on the right side along the display area 30 from the fourth driving circuit DC4 are inclined so that the angles β1 and β2 from the reference line Lref gradually increase.

At this time, even in the case of the same type of drive circuit, the arrangement angle with respect to the reference line Lref is changed depending on the position of the corresponding pixel row or pixel column. As an example, the arrangement angles of the first driving circuits DC1 corresponding to different pixel rows are different from each other.

Further, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. FIG. The drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a row around the display area 30 with different types of drive circuits. For example, in FIG. 9, the types of drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are changed in a line around the display area 30 from the leftmost fourth drive circuit DC4 to the rightmost first drive circuit DC1. arrayed.

At this time, if a step occurs between the pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged according to the type of the step. When a step occurs between the pixel arrays in units of rows, the first driving circuit DC1 is arranged to correspond to the step, and when a step occurs in units of columns, the fourth driving circuit DC4 is arranged to correspond to the step. . This is because the first drive circuit DC1 supplies signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns.

One drive circuit supplies signals to the pixels PX included in one row or column. Since one pixel PX includes a plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one driver circuit applies a signal to each of the plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. supply. Therefore, a plurality of signal wirings are formed to supply one pixel row or one pixel column from one driving circuit. For example, one first driving circuit DC1 supplies a scan signal to one pixel row, and a plurality of pixels PX including R sub-pixels, G sub-pixels, and B sub-pixels are formed in one pixel row. , a scan wiring for supplying scan signals to a plurality of R sub-pixels, a scan wiring for supplying scan signals to a plurality of G sub-pixels, and a scan wiring for supplying scan signals to a plurality of B sub-pixels. It is formed corresponding to DC1. The same can be applied to signal wires connected to other types of driving circuits.

At this time, the signal wirings for the drive circuits DC1 and DC4 to supply signals to the pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other within the non-display region 40 . Signal lines connected to different types of driving circuits are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40 . For example, the signal lines connecting the adjacent first driving circuit DC1 and the pixel rows and the signal lines connecting the fourth driving circuit DC4 and the pixel columns are formed so as not to cross each other. As a result, coupling due to a parasitic capacitor formed by intersection of signal lines in the non-display area 40 can be reduced.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the pixels PX and the driving circuit arranged at the second position on the periphery of the display panel 20 of FIG. As shown, the drive circuits are arranged in the non-display area 40, similar to FIG. Different types of driving circuits DC1 and DC4 may be arranged corresponding to the respective pixel rows or pixel columns. For example, the first drive circuit DC1 can be arranged corresponding to the pixel row, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 can be arranged corresponding to the pixel column. As shown, at the second position, five first driving circuits DC1 are arranged corresponding to five pixel rows, and five fourth driving circuits DC4 are arranged corresponding to five pixel columns. be done.

In addition, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 may be inclined at a corresponding angle on a plane according to the shape of the display area 30. FIG. In FIG. 10, when measuring the angle of inclination in the clockwise direction, the leftmost fourth drive circuit DC4 is inclined at an angle β3 from the reference line Lref, and the rightmost first drive circuit DC1 is at an angle β3 from the reference line Lref. The tilted angle β4 is even greater.

Further, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. FIG. The drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a row around the display area 30 with different types of drive circuits. For example, in FIG. 10, the types of drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are changed in a line around the display area 30 from the leftmost fourth drive circuit DC4 to the rightmost first drive circuit DC1. arrayed.

At this time, if a step occurs between the pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged according to the type of the step. When a step occurs between the pixel arrays in units of rows, the first driving circuit DC1 is arranged to correspond to the step, and when a step occurs in units of columns, the fourth driving circuit DC4 is arranged to correspond to the step. . This is because the first drive circuit DC1 supplies signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns. In FIG. 10, a step difference is generated by one pixel PX in the row direction and the column direction, so the first drive circuit DC1 and the fourth drive circuit DC4 are alternately arranged.

One drive circuit supplies signals to the pixels PX included in one row or column. Since one pixel PX includes a plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one driver circuit applies a signal to each of the plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. supply. Therefore, a plurality of signal wirings are formed to supply one pixel row or one pixel column from one driving circuit. At this time, the signal wirings for the drive circuits DC1 and DC4 to supply signals to the pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other within the non-display region 40 . Signal lines connected to different types of driving circuits are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40 .

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the pixels PX and the driving circuit arranged at the third position on the periphery of the display panel 20 of FIG. As shown, the drive circuits are arranged in the non-display area 40, similar to FIG. Different types of driving circuits may be arranged corresponding to each pixel row or pixel column. For example, the first drive circuit DC1 can be arranged corresponding to the pixel row, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 can be arranged corresponding to the pixel column. As shown, at the third position, twelve first driving circuits DC1 are arranged corresponding to twelve pixel rows, and three fourth driving circuits DC4 are arranged corresponding to three pixel columns. be done.

The driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are inclined at a corresponding angle on the plane according to the shape of the display area 30. FIG. In FIG. 11, when measuring the angle of inclination in the clockwise direction, the leftmost first drive circuit DC1 is tilted from the reference line Lref by an angle β5. The angle β6 tilted from is even larger.

Further, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. FIG. The drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a row around the display area 30 with different types of drive circuits. For example, in FIG. 11, the types of the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are changed in a line around the display area 30 from the leftmost first driving circuit DC1 to the rightmost first driving circuit DC1. arrayed.

At this time, if a step occurs between the pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged according to the type of the step. When a step occurs between the pixel arrays in units of rows, the first driving circuit DC1 is arranged to correspond to the step, and when a step occurs in units of columns, the fourth driving circuit DC4 is arranged to correspond to the step. . This is because the first drive circuit DC1 supplies signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns.

One drive circuit supplies signals to the pixels PX included in one row or column. Since one pixel PX includes a plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one driver circuit applies a signal to each of the plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. supply. Therefore, a plurality of signal wirings are formed to supply one pixel row or one pixel column from one driving circuit. At this time, the signal wirings for the drive circuits DC1 and DC4 to supply signals to the pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other within the non-display region 40 . Signal lines connected to different types of driving circuits are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40 .

As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the drive circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in different numbers depending on the position on the display panel 20. FIG. For example, at the first position, a plurality of fourth drive circuits DC4 are arranged due to steps between the pixel arrays that occur in units of columns. A plurality of circuits DC1 are arranged. In other words, the types and number of drive circuits DC1 and DC4 arranged around the display area 30 are changed.

Further, in the case of the second embodiment, the display area 30 is formed in an elliptical shape, and the curvature of the boundary line between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40 is changed as compared with the first embodiment. However, according to the embodiment, the driving circuits DC1 and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 and are arranged in the normal direction of the boundary line between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40, so that the curvature is Even if it is changed, there is an effect of reducing the width of the non-display area 40 .

FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a third embodiment of the display panel 20. As shown in FIG. As shown, the display panel 20 may be partially curved. For example, the display panel 20 may have a shape in which a bow-shaped first area CA3 and a square-shaped second area CA4 are combined.

The form of the display area 30 may be determined according to the form of the display panel 20 . For example, if a portion of the display panel 20 is curved, the display area 30 corresponding to the portion also has a curved shape.
Therefore, the display area 30 of the first area CA3 is formed in a bow shape, and the display area 30 of the second area CA4 is formed in a rectangular shape. A non-display area 40 in which the drive circuit is arranged is formed in the area of the display panel 20 excluding the display area 30 .

A plurality of pixels PX are arranged in the display area 30 . The pixels PX can be arranged in a matrix within the display area 30 . At this time, the pixels PX are appropriately arranged in the display area 30 corresponding to the curve. For example, when the display area 30 has an arch shape, a step occurs between the pixel arrays positioned at the periphery of the arch-shaped display area 30 .

That is, since the square pixels PX are arranged along the periphery of the display area 30, which is partially curved, a step occurs between the pixel arrays. For example, at the periphery of the display area 30 corresponding to the first and second rows, a step difference is generated between the first row pixel array and the second row pixel array by a difference of 6 pixels PX.

A step between adjacent pixel arrays on a row-by-row basis or a column-by-column basis may vary depending on the positions of the corresponding edges. For example, a step of 6 pixels PX is generated between the pixel array of the first row and the pixel array of the second row, but a step of 4 pixels PX is generated between the pixel array of the second row and the pixel array of the third row. Steps can occur as much as the difference.

Also, the driving circuit is properly formed in the non-display area 40 according to the shape of the display area 30 . For example, if the pixel PX is arranged in an arcuate shape, a driving circuit for supplying a signal to the pixel PX is positioned along the arc of the arc in which the pixel PX is arranged. When the display panel 20 has an arcuate shape, the entirety of the display area 30 in which the pixels PX are arranged and the non-display area 40 in which the driving circuit is arranged may be arcuate.

Although FIG. 12 shows that all the pixels PX have the same shape and size, the pixels PX arranged to divide the area inside the display area 30 may have different sizes. For example, the pixels PX arranged in the second area CA4 of the display area 30 may be larger than the pixels PX arranged in the edge of the first area CA3.

Such driving circuits DC1, DC2, DC4 must be properly arranged in the non-display area 40 so that the non-display area 40 occupies a narrow area within the display panel 20. FIG. However, in the case of the display panel 20 in which the pixels PX are arranged in an arbitrary form, a step difference occurs between the pixel arrays. must.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the pixels PX and the driving circuit arranged at the first position on the periphery of the first area CA3 of the display panel 20 of FIG. As shown, the drive circuitry is located in the non-display area 40 . Although it is explained in the drawing that the first driving circuit DC1, the second driving circuit DC2 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are arranged, different types of driving circuits are arranged at respective positions in the non-display area 40. DC1, DC2, DC4 can be mixed and arranged.
For example, in the non-display area 40, the first driving circuit DC1, the second driving circuit DC2, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are mixed and arranged, and the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are mixed and arranged. and a region where the second drive circuit DC2 and the fourth drive circuit DC4 are mixed and arranged. In the non-display area 40, different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be arranged around the display area 30 in different numbers.

At this time, different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be arranged corresponding to each pixel row or pixel column. For example, a first drive circuit DC1 and a second drive circuit DC2 may be arranged corresponding to pixel rows, and a fourth drive circuit DC4 may be arranged corresponding to pixel columns. As shown, at the first position, one first driving circuit DC1 and one second driving circuit DC2 are arranged corresponding to one pixel row, and a second driving circuit DC1 is arranged corresponding to 14 pixel columns. Fourteen 4-drive circuits DC4 are arranged.

On the other hand, the areas occupied by the different types of drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be different from each other. For example, the area of one first drive circuit DC1, the area of one second drive circuit DC2, and the area of one fourth drive circuit DC4 may be different from each other.

In addition, the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be inclined at a corresponding angle on a plane according to the shape of the display area 30. FIG. Specifically, the driving circuit may be arranged in the non-display area 40 at an angle substantially equal to the normal angle of the boundary between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40 in the first area CA3. If the display area 30 is a curved line, the normal direction to the boundary between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40 is changed along the display area 30, so that the driving circuit arranged along the display area 30 with respect to the reference line Lref is also changed by the normal direction. The fourth drive circuit DC4 located in the center in FIG. 13 is arranged parallel to the reference line Lref. However, the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 arranged on the right or left side along the circumference of the display area 30 from the fourth driving circuit DC4 are arranged such that the angle from the reference line Lref gradually increases or decreases. placed at an angle. For example, the arrangement angle γ1 from the reference line Lref of the fourth drive circuit DC4 arranged on the right side has a positive value.

At this time, the arrangement angle with respect to the reference line Lref is changed depending on the position of the corresponding pixel row or pixel column even in the case of the same type of drive circuit. As an example, the arrangement angles of the fourth driving circuits DC4 corresponding to different pixel columns are different from each other.

In addition, the drive circuits DC1, DC2 and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. FIG. The drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with different types of drive circuits. For example, in FIG. 13, from the leftmost second driving circuit DC2 to the rightmost first driving circuit DC1, the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a row around the display area 30. Modified and sequenced.

At this time, if a step occurs between the pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged according to the type of the step. When a step occurs between the pixel arrays in units of rows, the first drive circuit DC1 and the second drive circuit DC2 are arranged to correspond to the step. arranged correspondingly. This is because the first driving circuit DC1 and the second driving circuit DC2 supply signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns.

At this time, the first driving circuit DC1 and the second driving circuit DC2 may be arranged in adjacent regions corresponding to steps between pixel arrays that occur in the same row unit. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13, the steps between the first pixel row and the second pixel row occur on the left and right sides of the central region, so that the first driving circuit DC1 and the second driving circuit DC1 correspond to the left or right side. 2 drive circuits DC2 can be arranged. That is, the second drive circuit DC2 is arranged corresponding to the steps of the first and second pixel rows on the left side, and the first drive circuit DC1 is arranged corresponding to the steps of the first and second pixel rows on the right side. can be placed.

One drive circuit supplies signals to the pixels PX included in one row or column. Since one pixel PX includes a plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one driver circuit applies a signal to each of the plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. supply. Therefore, a plurality of signal wirings are formed to supply one pixel row or one pixel column from one driving circuit. For example, one first driving circuit DC1 supplies a scan signal to one pixel row, and a plurality of pixels PX including R sub-pixels, G sub-pixels, and B sub-pixels are formed in one pixel row. , a scan wiring for supplying scan signals to a plurality of R sub-pixels, a scan wiring for supplying scan signals to a plurality of G sub-pixels, and a scan wiring for supplying scan signals to a plurality of B sub-pixels. It is formed corresponding to DC1. The same can be applied to signal wires connected to other types of driving circuits.

At this time, the signal wirings for the drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 to supply signals to the pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other within the non-display region 40 . Signal lines connected to different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. FIG. For example, the signal lines connecting the pixel rows to the first driving circuit DC1 and the signal lines connecting the fourth driving circuit DC4 to the pixel columns are formed so as not to cross each other. As a result, coupling due to a parasitic capacitor formed by intersection of signal lines in the non-display area 40 can be reduced.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the pixels PX and the driving circuit arranged at the second position on the periphery of the first area CA3 of the display panel 20 of FIG. As shown, the drive circuits are arranged in the non-display area 40, similar to FIG. Different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be arranged corresponding to the respective pixel rows or pixel columns. For example, the first drive circuit DC1 can be arranged corresponding to the pixel row, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 can be arranged corresponding to the pixel column. As shown, at the second position, four first driving circuits DC1 are arranged corresponding to four pixel rows, and six fourth driving circuits DC4 are arranged corresponding to six pixel columns. be done.

In addition, the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be inclined at a corresponding angle on a plane according to the shape of the display area 30. FIG. In FIG. 14, when measuring the angle of inclination in the clockwise direction, the leftmost first driving circuit DC1 is inclined from the reference line Lref, while the rightmost fourth driving circuit DC4 is inclined from the reference line Lref. The tilt angle is even greater.

In addition, the drive circuits DC1, DC2 and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. FIG. The drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with different types of drive circuits. For example, in FIG. 14, from the leftmost fourth driving circuit DC4 to the rightmost first driving circuit DC1, the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a row around the display area 30. modified and arranged.

At this time, if a step occurs between the pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged according to the type of the step. When a step occurs between the pixel arrays in units of rows, the first driving circuit DC1 is arranged to correspond to the step, and when a step occurs in units of columns, the fourth driving circuit DC4 is arranged to correspond to the step. . This is because the first drive circuit DC1 supplies signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns. In FIG. 14, a step difference is generated by one pixel PX in the row direction and the column direction, so the first drive circuit DC1 and the fourth drive circuit DC4 are alternately arranged.

One drive circuit supplies signals to the pixels PX included in one row or column. Since one pixel PX includes a plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one driver circuit applies a signal to each of the plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. supply. Therefore, a plurality of signal wirings are formed to supply one pixel row or one pixel column from one driving circuit. At this time, the signal wirings for the drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 to supply signals to the pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other within the non-display region 40 . Signal lines connected to different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. FIG.

FIG. 15 is a view showing an embodiment of the pixels PX and the driving circuit arranged at the third position on the periphery of the first area CA3 of the display panel 20 of FIG. As shown, the drive circuits are arranged in the non-display area 40, similar to FIG. Different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be arranged corresponding to the respective pixel rows or pixel columns. For example, the second drive circuit DC2 can be arranged corresponding to the pixel row, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 can be arranged corresponding to the pixel column. As shown, at the third position, four second driving circuits DC2 are arranged corresponding to four pixel rows, and six fourth driving circuits DC4 are arranged corresponding to six pixel columns. be done.

The third position is symmetrical to the second position with respect to the center area of the display area 30, and the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are arranged in the non-display area 40 of the second position. A second driving circuit DC2 and a fourth driving circuit DC4 can be arranged in the non-display area 40 at three positions.

In addition, the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be inclined at a corresponding angle on a plane according to the shape of the display area 30. FIG. In FIG. 15, when measuring the angle tilted clockwise from the reference line Lref, the leftmost second drive circuit DC2 is tilted from the reference line Lref, and the rightmost fourth drive circuit DC4 is measured. The angle of inclination from the reference line Lref is even greater.

In addition, the drive circuits DC1, DC2 and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. FIG. The drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with different types of drive circuits. For example, in FIG. 15, from the leftmost second driving circuit DC2 to the rightmost fourth driving circuit DC4, the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a row around the display area 30. modified and arranged.

At this time, if a step occurs between the pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged according to the type of the step. When a step occurs between the pixel arrays in units of rows, the second drive circuit DC2 is arranged corresponding to the step, and when a step occurs in units of columns, the fourth drive circuit DC4 is arranged corresponding to the step. . This is because the second drive circuit DC2 supplies signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth drive circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns.

One drive circuit supplies signals to the pixels PX included in one row or column. Since one pixel PX includes a plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one driver circuit applies a signal to each of the plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. supply. Therefore, a plurality of signal wirings are formed to supply one pixel row or one pixel column from one driving circuit. At this time, the signal wirings for the drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 to supply signals to the pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other within the non-display region 40 . Signal lines connected to different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the number of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may vary depending on the positions on the display panel 20. FIG. For example, at the first position, a plurality of fourth drive circuits DC4 are arranged due to steps between the pixel arrays that occur in units of columns. A plurality of circuits DC1 are arranged, and a plurality of second driving circuits DC2 are arranged at the third position due to a step between the pixel arrays occurring in units of rows. In other words, the types and number of drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 arranged around the display area 30 are changed.

Further, in comparison with the first and second embodiments, in the case of the third embodiment, a part of the display area 30 is formed in an arch shape, and the curvature of the boundary line between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40 is Be changed. However, according to the embodiment, the drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 and arranged in the normal direction of the boundary line between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40. Even when the curvature is changed, there is an effect of reducing the width of the non-display area 40 .

FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a fourth embodiment of the display panel 20. As shown in FIG. As shown, the display panel 20 may be partially curved. For example, the display panel 20 may have a shape in which a concave curve-shaped first area CA5 and a square-shaped second area CA6 are combined.

The form of the display area 30 may be determined according to the form of the display panel 20 . For example, if a portion of the display panel 20 is curved, the display area 30 corresponding to the portion also has a curved shape.
Therefore, the display area 30 of the first area CA5 is formed in a concave curved shape, and the display area 30 of the second area CA6 is formed in a rectangular shape. A non-display area 40 in which the drive circuit is arranged is formed in the area of the display panel 20 excluding the display area 30 .

A plurality of pixels PX are arranged in the display area 30 . The pixels PX can be arranged in a matrix within the display area 30 . At this time, the pixels PX are appropriately arranged in the display area 30 corresponding to the curve. For example, when the display area 30 has a concave curved shape, a step occurs between the pixel arrays positioned at the periphery of the concave curved display area 30 .

That is, since the square pixels PX are arranged along the periphery of the display area 30, which is partially curved, a step occurs between the pixel arrays. For example, on the periphery of the display area 30 corresponding to the first and second columns from the left, a step difference is generated between the pixel arrays of the first and second columns by a difference of two pixels PX.

A step between adjacent pixel arrays in a row unit or a column unit may differ according to the position of the corresponding edge. For example, a step of two pixels PX occurs between the pixel array of the first column and the pixel array of the second column, but a step of one pixel PX occurs between the pixel array of the third column and the pixel array of the fourth column. Steps can occur as much as the difference.

Also, the driving circuit is properly formed in the non-display area 40 according to the shape of the display area 30 . For example, when the pixel PX is arranged in a concave curve, a driving circuit for supplying a signal to the pixel PX is positioned along the concave curve where the pixel PX is arranged.

In FIG. 16, all the pixels PX are shown to have the same shape and size, but the pixels PX arranged to divide the area inside the display area 30 may have different sizes. For example, the pixels PX arranged in the second area CA6 of the display area 30 may be larger than the pixels PX arranged in the edge of the first area CA5.

Such driving circuits DC1, DC2, DC4 must be properly arranged in the non-display area 40 so that the non-display area 40 occupies a narrow area within the display panel 20. FIG. However, in the case of the display panel 20 in which the pixels PX are arranged in an arbitrary form, a step difference occurs between the pixel arrays. must. Regarding this, the drive circuit arrangement of the display panel 20 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 17 is a drawing showing an embodiment of the pixel PX and the driving circuit arranged at the first position D1 of the first area CA5 of the display panel 20 of FIG. As shown, the drive circuitry is located in the non-display area 40 . Although it has been described that the first driving circuit DC1, the second driving circuit DC2, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are arranged in the drawing, different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, DC4 can be mixed and arranged. For example, the non-display area 40 includes an area in which the first driving circuit DC1 and the fourth driving circuit DC4 are mixed and arranged, an area in which the second driving circuit DC2 is arranged, and an area in which the third driving circuit is arranged. may be In the non-display area 40, different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be arranged around the display area 30 in different numbers.

At this time, different types of drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be arranged corresponding to the respective pixel rows or pixel columns. For example, a first drive circuit DC1 and a second drive circuit DC2 may be arranged corresponding to pixel rows, and a fourth drive circuit DC4 may be arranged corresponding to pixel columns. As shown, in the first area CA5, seven first drive circuits DC1 and seven second drive circuits DC2 are arranged corresponding to seven pixel rows, and seven drive circuits DC2 are arranged corresponding to five pixel columns. Five fourth drive circuits DC4 are arranged.

On the other hand, the areas occupied by the different types of drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be different from each other. For example, the area of one first drive circuit DC1, the area of one second drive circuit DC2, and the area of one fourth drive circuit DC4 may be different from each other.

In addition, the driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 may be inclined at a corresponding angle on a plane according to the shape of the display area 30. FIG. Specifically, the driving circuit may be arranged in the non-display area 40 at an angle substantially equal to the normal angle of the boundary between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40 in the first area CA5. If the display area 30 is curved, the normal direction to the boundary between the display area 30 and the non-display area 40 is changed along the display area 30 of the curve, so that The arrangement angle of the drive circuit with respect to the reference line Lref is also changed by the normal direction.

In FIG. 17, the second driving circuit DC2 located on the left side of the display area 30 is arranged at an angle perpendicular to the straight line because the form of the corresponding display area 30 is a straight line. Further, from the fourth driving circuit DC4 connected to the leftmost pixel column of the display area 30, the driving circuits DC1, DC2 and DC4 arranged on the right side along the periphery of the display area 30 are at an angle from the reference line Lref. It is arranged at an angle so as to gradually decrease. For example, the arrangement angle δ1 from the reference line Lref of the fourth driving circuit DC4 connected to the leftmost pixel column has a positive value.

At this time, the arrangement angle with respect to the reference line Lref is changed depending on the position of the corresponding pixel row or pixel column even in the case of the same type of drive circuit. As an example, the arrangement angles of the fourth driving circuits DC4 corresponding to different pixel columns are different from each other.

In addition, the drive circuits DC1, DC2 and DC4 are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40. FIG. The drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with different types of drive circuits. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, corresponding to the curved display area 30, from the leftmost fourth driving circuit DC4 to the rightmost first driving circuit DC1, the driving circuits DC1, . DC2 and DC4 are arranged in a line around the display area 30 with their types changed.

At this time, if a step occurs between the pixel arrays, the type of drive circuit is changed and arranged according to the type of the step. When a step occurs between the pixel arrays in units of rows, the first drive circuit DC1 and the second drive circuit DC2 are arranged to correspond to the step. arranged correspondingly. This is because the first driving circuit DC1 and the second driving circuit DC2 supply signals to different pixel rows, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 supplies signals to different pixel columns.

One drive circuit supplies signals to the pixels PX included in one row or column. Since one pixel PX includes a plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13, one driver circuit applies a signal to each of the plurality of sub-pixels PX11, PX12, and PX13 included in one pixel row or one pixel column. supply. Therefore, a plurality of signal wirings are formed to supply one pixel row or one pixel column from one driving circuit. For example, one first drive circuit DC1 supplies a scan signal to one pixel row. A plurality of pixels PX including R sub-pixels, G sub-pixels and B sub-pixels are formed in one pixel row. Therefore, the scan wiring that supplies scan signals to a plurality of R sub-pixels, the scan wiring that supplies scan signals to a plurality of G sub-pixels, and the scan wiring that supplies scan signals to a plurality of B sub-pixels constitute one first drive. It is formed corresponding to the circuit DC1. The same can be applied to signal wires connected to other types of driving circuits.

At this time, the signal wirings for the drive circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 to supply signals to the pixels PX are formed so as not to cross each other within the non-display region 40 . Signal lines connected to different types of driving circuits DC1, DC2, and DC4 are formed so as not to cross each other in the non-display area 40. FIG. For example, the signal lines connecting the pixel rows to the first driving circuit DC1 and the signal lines connecting the fourth driving circuit DC4 to the pixel columns are formed so as not to cross each other. As a result, coupling due to a parasitic capacitor formed by intersection of signal lines in the non-display area 40 can be reduced.

Referring to the above drawings, a display panel 20 having an arbitrary form and a drive circuit that supplies different types of drive signals (for example, scan signals, data signals, light emission control signals, test voltages, etc.) to pixels are used for display. An embodiment arranged in the non-display area 30 of the panel 20 has been described.

The embodiments are applicable to all non-rectangular displays, and although the above drawings have been described with the first driving circuit DC1, the second driving circuit DC2, and the fourth driving circuit DC4 as examples, the fourth driving circuit DC4 can be replaced by a third drive circuit, which is just a relative position within the display panel 20 .

The driving circuits according to the embodiment are formed to have different densities in the non-display area 40 according to the form in which the pixels are arranged. Also, the drive circuits are arranged in a line in the non-display area 40 . Therefore, there is an effect of reducing the width of the non-display area 40 .

In addition, since the signal wirings for supplying signals from the respective driving circuits to the display area 30 do not intersect, there is an effect of reducing the parasitic capacitance caused by overlapping wirings.

Although the above drawings do not describe the display panel 20 whose form includes both convex and concave curves, the above embodiments can be combined to properly arrange the driving circuits. .

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of rights of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims. Variations and improvements are also within the scope of the invention.

10 Driver IC
20 display panel 30 display area 40 peripheral area

Claims (1)

a plurality of pixels located in a non-rectangular display area and connected to a first signal line extending in a first direction and a second signal line extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
a plurality of first drive circuits located in a peripheral region of the display region and connected to the first signal lines corresponding to one of the plurality of pixels;
a plurality of second drive circuits located in the peripheral region and connected to the second signal lines corresponding to one of the plurality of pixels;
including
A non-rectangular display, wherein the first signal line and the second signal line of the pixel are separated from each other in the peripheral region.

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